Oregon firefighters trained to give CPR to pets, even ferrets and reptiles

[Liberal_in_LA]

Oregon firefighters trained to give CPR to pets

Some Oregon firefighters and paramedics are now equipped and trained to give first aid to dogs, cats and other pets.

The Daily Tidings reports that Ashland Fire & Rescue firefighters were trained last week to do CPR on dogs, cats, ferrets, gerbils and even reptiles that have inhaled smoke. All five department engines now carry oxygen masks for pets.

Division Chief Greg Case says rescuing pets involved in fires helps the entire family. Firefighters treat people first and will help pets if possible.

Veterinarian Dr. Alice Sievers says smaller animals can be placed inside the masks, while the devices can be fitted over the nose or beak of larger animals.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/03/22/national/a075633D14.DTL#ixzz1HNcqEmYy

[FSogol]

1. Cool, thanks for posting. n/t

[Rabblevox]

2. As an Oregonian, I f*ing protest!...

I love puppies and bunnies as much as anyone. I think knowing how to do CPR on animals is good. But here in Oregon, we are laying off fire-fighters and de-commissioning fire trucks.

I think our priority for lifesaving should be on people, not pets.

[Liberal_in_LA]

3. seriously? Someone donated the equipment. Doubt a few days of training makes a dent in the budget

[Snotcicles]

4. I can't think of a better way to cheer up a five year old after her house has burnt down. nt

[Rabblevox]

6. thanks for chiming in. you have obviously never worked on a departmental budget ...

in your life. cost of training/cert approx $100/per. Full day off-duty, plus travel and meals, another $200/300 per. You are now up to $400/per firefighter/day. And that doesn't even factor the lost, irreplaceable days that trained firefighters will be unavailable for their primary job. How many officers do you want to be trained in animal CPR? How many do you want unavailable to fight fires?

About the same money, for the same officers, could have trained them in infant CPR.

That money has to come from somewhere. I say that as someone who believes in puppies. (and yes, I am certified in animal CPR)(but I believe my grandaughter is more important than my Pug.)

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

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[roguevalley]

12. hmmm. training in saving life has value. I am surprised how little

it matters for some life. all the training these people receive is valuable. all of it. taking a few minutes to learn and practice this skill is good. it helps. all of it helps.

[Liberal_in_LA]

14. after fire fighters have saved your granddaughter, nothing wrong with them returning to save her cat

[lies and propaganda]

20. WHY DO YOU HATE HAMSTERS?? n/t

[Still Blue in PDX]

7. People, then pets. It doesn't have to be either/or. nt

[Liberal_in_LA]

13. thank you. +100

[roguevalley]

11. I am an Oregonian too and this sums up what Oregon always was:

first in everything that is compassionate and wise. Bottle bill? First. Quality of life over quantity? Mucho importante. Oregon is my heart and this is just what I know and remember it to be. GO, OREGON!

[Still Blue in PDX]

16. Right on, amen, and so mote it be.

[TlalocW]

5. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma...

My ferret, Roseberry, has no one trained to save her in case of fire!

Actually, that's pretty cool.

TlalocW

[MilesColtrane]

8. Good thing they've got the masks.

Frenching a monitor lizard just wasn't in the job description when they applied.

[Still Blue in PDX]

17. Yes, I was happy to read that, too.

My first thought was, "There goes my son's desire to become a firefighter!" I have to admit that I was relieved, because I don't want any of my babies in harm's way, be it from flames or ferrets.

[Raine]

10. This is so COOL!

:applause:

[Liberal_in_LA]

15. :-)

:-)

[Snoutport]

18. We love our lizards up here!

I didn't know this, thanks for sharing!

[Dappleganger]

19. Great, ferrets love the kisses!

[Are_grits_groceries]

21. They had to be trained to resuscitate reptiles

because GOPers might need it.